On Friday, Rangers president Nolan Ryan told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that the team had made Berkman an offer. Berkman will serve primarily as Texas' DH but also could get occasional playing time at first base.

Lance Berkman is a wanted man, and the Rangers are on his trail. (AP Photo)

Berkman, who will turn 37 next month, was limited to 32 games in 2012, mainly because of a knee injury. However, a knee injury also limited him in 2010 before he won NL Comeback Player of the Year honors in 2011 with the St. Louis Cardinals.

According to FoxSports.com, the Rangers also have restarted trade discussions with the Arizona Diamondbacks about right fielder Justin Upton. Texas has lost center fielder Josh Hamilton (free agency) and DH/infielder Michael Young (trade) this offseason and also is expected to lose catcher/first baseman Mike Napoli (free agency). Thus, it needs to replace a lot of offense. The Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres and Atlanta Braves also have expressed a desire to acquire Upton.

Berkman recently told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he had received two offers but that he wasn't sure if he wanted to play in 2013. He also admitted that money would be a factor in his decision.

"In a way they have to buy me out of retirement, and I know that sounds crass — I wish it didn't — but it's a big commitment, it can put a strain on the family," Berkman told the newspaper. "If I'm going to play, I'm going to give my heart and soul to the team. But if the carrot's not big enough, the mule isn't going to want to go."

The Houston Astros, who drafted Berkman in the first round in 1997 and for whom he played until being traded in July of 2010, also were in the mix to sign him. Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow told the Houston Chronicle that he has had a continuing dialogue with Berkman since November.

However, the Chronicle characterized the Astros as likely a "last resort" for Berkman. That is because the team couldn't offer him a realistic chance to contend for the postseason or offer him the kind of contract he desired.

The Baltimore Orioles also were in the mix to sign Berkman, though The Baltimore Sun speculated Berkman might be a long shot because of his injury history and because he would "clog" the DH spot — something the team would prefer not to do. In addition, Berkman likely priced himself out of Baltimore's range.